System and method for enabling call originations using SMS and hotline capabilities

ABSTRACT

A method for handling call originations is provided. The method includes sending origination information from a mobile device to an application server in an enterprise network using Short Message Service (SMS) and determining whether a hotline feature is present in a subscriber profile associated with the mobile device. Data is then routed from the mobile device to a predetermined destination based on the hotline feature.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Ser. No.60/778,252, entitled “MOBILE APPLICATION GATEWAY FOR CONNECTING DEVICESON A CELLULAR NETWORK WITH INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISE AND DATA NETWORKS”filed Mar. 2, 2006; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/778,276, entitled “CALLFLOW SYSTEM AND METHOD USE IN LEGACY TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM” filedMar. 2, 2006; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/778,443, entitled “CALL FLOWSYSTEM AND METHOD USE IN VOIP TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM” filed Mar. 2,2006; and U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/797,724, entitled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR EXECUTING ORIGINATING SERVICES IN A TERMINATING NETWORK FORIMS AND NON-IMS APPLICATIONS” filed May 4, 2006, and is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application: U.S. Ser.No. 11/509,222, entitled “MOBILE APPLICATION GATEWAY FOR CONNECTINGDEVICES ON A CELLULAR NETWORK WITH INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISE AND DATANETWORKS” filed Aug. 24, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Cross reference is made to the following commonly assigned U.S. patentapplications: U.S. Ser. No. 11/509,222, entitled “MOBILE APPLICATIONGATEWAY FOR CONNECTING DEVICES ON A CELLULAR NETWORK WITH INDIVIDUALENTERPRISE AND DATA NETWORKS” filed Aug. 24, 2006; U.S. Ser. No.11/509,186, entitled “CALL FLOW SYSTEM AND METHOD USE IN LEGACYTELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM” filed Aug. 24, 2006; U.S. Ser. No. 11/509,260,entitled “CALL FLOW SYSTEM AND METHOD USE IN VOIP TELECOMMUNICATIONSYSTEM” filed Aug. 24, 2006; U.S. Ser. No. 11/509,200, entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR EXECUTING ORIGINATING SERVICES IN A TERMINATING NETWORKFOR IMS AND NON-IMS APPLICATIONS” filed Aug. 24, 2006; U.S. Ser. No.11/509,450, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING MULTI-LINE MOBILETELEPHONE SERVICE CAPABILITIES ON A SINGLE-LINE MOBILE TELEPHONE” filedAug. 24, 2006; U.S. Ser. No. 11/509,372, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORENABLING DTMF DETECTION IN A COIP NETWORK” and filed herewith: U.S. Ser.No. 11/588,027, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING CALLORGANIZATIONS USING SMS AND HOTLINE CAPABILITIES”; and U.S. Ser. No.11/588,078, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPEEDING CALL ORIGINATIONSAND TERMINATIONS TO A VARIETY OF DEVICES USING INTELLIGENT PREDICTIVETECHNIQUES FOR HALF-CALL ROUTING,” each of which is hereby incorporatedby reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunications, and moreparticularly telecommunications including enterprise servers, wirelesscommunications, and the interoperability of communication technologies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Corporations are increasingly relying on the use of cellular technologyby their employees. Yet enterprises do not have adequate means tocontrol cellular service, in terms of costs, Quality of Service, andcorporate monitoring. This is because cellular service is independentlymanaged and controlled by wireless carrier networks with no connectivityto the enterprise voice and data networks, as shown in FIG. 1.

Enterprises today control their enterprise fixed voice and datanetworks, as is shown on the left of the diagram. They own and managetheir own PBXs, within each branch, and between branch offices. Theyalso own and manage their own data networks and corporate LAN/WAN. Theypurchase bulk voice minutes and data capacity from land line carriers,or from other providers that have purchased bulk minutes and datacapacity from carriers, to connect branch offices, using public IPNetwork providers (e.g. MCI, Sprint, L3, etc.) for Data and Voice overIP (VoIP).

With this invention, the enterprise is able to equally extend thisparadigm to cellular service by connecting the public wireless voice anddata network (on the right side of the diagram) into the enterprise.This is shown in FIG. 2. The gateway server inter-connects the carrier'sMobile Switching Center (MSC) that manages cellular voice traffic aswell as the carrier's Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) that managecellular data traffic, with the enterprise's voice and data network.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention achieves technical advantages as a mobile applicationgateway for connecting devices on a cellular network with individualnetworks, such as enterprise voice and data networks and/or residentialnetworks. The effects of the present invention are far reaching in termsof transferring effective call control from the cellular network intothe control of the individual network such as the enterprise, andenabling new business models for the purchase of cellular service from apublic cellular carrier by an enterprise. The invention may consist of aprimarily of core network and services components based on the IMSnetwork architecture, and is backward compatible to support legacysystems in place in current telecom and data networks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an independently managed and controlledwireless carrier network, and an independently managed corporateenterprise network;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a conventional network with an enterprise networkgateway server, according to the invention, connected to a wirelesscarrier network;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a gateway server system accordingly to onepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a diagram of an enterprise data and voice network operablyconnected using the gateway server system using pure enterprise callcontrol according to one preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a diagram of an enterprise data and voice network operablyconnected using the gateway server system using split call controlaccording to one preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a network architecture according to another preferredembodiment using VoIP systems;

FIG. 6 is a call flow diagram for call origination according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a call flow diagram for effecting call delivery using VoIPsystem according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a call flow diagram for effecting mobile termination usingVoIP according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a network architecture for a Legacy (TDM) networkaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a next generation IMS architecture that isbackwards compatible with legacy cellular networks based on existingcellular protocols;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a conventional legacy network architecture thatdoes not support IM;

FIG. 12 depicts a Packet Engine according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention allowing a call server to detectDTMF digit events on the call path;

FIG. 13 depicts one embodiment of the Packet Engine consisting of a userspace;

FIG. 14 depicts a Linux kernel module of the Packet Engine;

FIG. 15 depicts the current IMS standard definition;

FIG. 16 depicts one exemplary embodiment of the invention for IMSservice;

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 depict a gateway server carrier (GS-C) configured asan IMS standard-compliant SIP, and associated algorithm;

FIG. 19 depicts an algorithm for receiving incoming calls on variouslines that are to be directed to a subscribers mobile phone;

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method for speeding call originations andterminations to a variety of devices using intelligent predictivetechniques for call routing in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method for enabling secure VPN-less datasessions for connecting mobile data devices with an enterprise datanetwork in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of a system and method for enabling calloriginations using a mobile data connection and hotline capabilities inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Effectively in one preferred embodiment of the invention, a gatewaymobile server is provided that runs a turnkey cellular system that doesnot include any radio network components. The gateway mobile server isappropriately scaled down to the smaller subscriber base of a largeenterprise, compared with that of a public carrier. The gateway mobileserver advantageously supports call routing between a legacy, hybrid orIP-PBX, and the public cellular network in support of theenterprise/virtual operator business model.

This solution ultimately enables enterprises to change the way theypurchase cellular service from cellular operators by enablingenterprises to effectively become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator(MVNO) for their own employees, and ultimately even sell cellularservice external to the enterprises corporation. Thus, the enterprise isable to purchase discount bulk rate cellular minutes of use from apublic cellular carrier, and “resell” them internally to their costcenters, or externally to other entities. The solution effectivelyenables the enterprise to “plug-in” cellular service akin to how localand long distance are connected to the enterprise's PBX. The result isthat enterprises can consume minutes of use from public cellularcarriers and pay for those minutes at the end of a time period, forexample at the end of the month. A single relationship can exist betweenthe cellular carrier and the enterprise, rather than multiple individualsubscriptions between the carrier and enterprise employees (where thecarrier is forced to treat them as ordinary consumers). This embodimentof the invention also facilitates the situation in which a singleservice provider can provide local, long distance, cellular and internetservice to an enterprise. Ultimately the enterprise can become its ownservice provider with its own Home Location Register (HLR) and HomeSubscriber Server (HSS) operating on and interconnected with the publicnetworks. Thus, employees making/receiving voice calls and data sessionscan be roaming on cellular carrier networks, which will charge theenterprise based on their usage.

The voice gateway component in this embodiment of the inventioncomprises a hybrid gateway router, combining the traditional routingfunctionalities of a Wireless Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC)with the admission control and routing functionalities of an IMS SIPApplication Server proxy and/or H.323 gatekeeper in addition tofunctionality for call management and control in the enterprise spacebased on SIP and/or H.323.

All signaling is transported over IP instead of SS7 where possible usingprotocols, such as SIGTRAN. In cases where IP signaling is notavailable, SS7 may be required to connect with the public cellular andcarrier networks. In addition, the invention supports functionality nottraditionally associated with a Wireless GMSC. This includes support for3GPP/2 SIP and/or H.323.

The present invention provides support for 3GPP/2 SIP, GSM MAP, CAP,ANSI-41/WIN and AIN protocols, converts between them and maps toindividual SIP network elements in the enterprise network. Support forsignaling is via SIGTRAN with high reliability over IP connectionsinstead of traditional and expensive SS7 links.

Various embodiments of the invention provide technical advantagesincluding:

Interconnection algorithms between carrier network telecom protocols andspecific enterprise PBX services platforms, including enhancements tostandard cellular network nodes including GMSC, SCP, GGSN:

-   -   Nodal inter-connection algorithms    -   Various configurations        -   Enterprise-hosted, Enterprise Managed:        -   The solution is hosted entirely within the enterprise and            controlled by the enterprise        -   Enterprise-hosted, Shared Management:        -   The solution is hosted entirely within the enterprise and            controlled by both the enterprise and remotely by the            carrier        -   Enterprise hosted, Carrier Managed:        -   The solution is hosted entirely within the enterprise and            controlled remotely by the carrier        -   Carrier-hosted, Enterprise Managed:        -   The solution is hosted at the carrier site and controlled            remotely by the enterprise        -   Carrier-hosted, Shared Management:        -   The solution is hosted at the carrier and controlled by both            the enterprise and remotely by the carrier        -   Carrier-hosted, Carrier Managed:        -   The solution is hosted at the carrier site and controlled by            the carrier    -   Shared-hosted, Shared Management:    -   A component of the solution is hosted, managed and controlled at        the carrier site, and a component of the solution is hosted,        managed and controlled at the enterprise site.

Routing of dialed digits from carrier network to enterprise systemwithout modifying carrier software, using existing intelligent networkand/or IMS signaling and data messaging techniques.

Method for reducing/eliminating of PSTN interconnect charges betweencarrier and enterprise, enabling:

-   -   Low cost mobile-to-mobile calls even when served by different        carriers        -   This may be achieved by routing the calls from the carrier            network into the enterprise using VoIP technology, and thus            bypassing the PSTN network    -   Low cost mobile to IP voice client calls (mobile to PC client,        Skype, etc.)

Methods for increasing enterprise-grade availability via a cellularinterconnection gateway:

-   -   Methods for maintaining enterprise call handling capabilities        when individual enterprise network nodes fail        -   For example, when a call is originated from the cellular            network and its control messages are sent to the gateway            server for processing, if the gateway server detects that            the PBX system is not available or out of service, the            gateway server can instruct the cellular network to route            the call directly. The gateway server may modify the digits            if necessary. The cost of the call may be higher than if            routed through the PBX, however the call will nevertheless            be connected. Once the PBX becomes available, the gateway            server can direct subsequent calls through the enterprise            network.

Enterprise MVNO Business framework

-   -   Enabling large enterprises to become cellular service providers        for their employees    -   Spinoff business opportunities for sale of cellular voice/data        services PBX evolution for wireless interconnection

MVNO Infrastructure

-   -   Framework, methodology and mechanisms for increasing MVNO        value-chain service capabilities    -   Framework to enable MVNOs to support own core network switching        and services through an existing carrier's wireless access        infrastructure

Integrated Services Capabilities Framework

-   -   Enabling improved integration and customization of enterprise        applications on public carrier networks    -   Framework enables the migration of business solutions to        customized enterprise environment, away from generic carrier        offerings using enterprise information systems not available to        carrier networks, e.g.        -   Local Presence & Availability information        -   Enterprise badging and security systems            -   For example, with the call control managed out of the                enterprise rather than the cellular network, the                enterprise can connect disparate systems to enforce                policy controls such as disabling an employee's cellular                phone when they badge out of the office for the evening,                or changing the charging codes such that the employee                will be charged for calls made after they have badged                out of the office for the evening, or limiting the                employee to 250 minutes of personal phone calls after                badging out for the evening, or restricting                international calling, or enabling international calling                to a single country such as the country of one's family,                etc.

Intelligent Least cost routing techniques

-   -   Algorithms for enabling intelligent Tail-end Hop-off of calls        and data sessions within the enterprise's network        -   Including methodology for inter-office (e.g. international)            call routing when local PBX is out of service        -   Tail-end hop-off enables a call from one country to another            country to be routed over a least-cost network to a            connection point in the destination country, from which a            local call is established and connected with the            international least-cost route. The result is a lower-cost            call to the destination.

Data session management

-   -   Similar to the ability to route voice calls into the enterprise        which are then subject to enterprise voice policy, the invention        describes the methodology and support for the routing of data        sessions from the public network directly into the enterprise.        By including a GGSN function within the enterprise and connected        with the cellular carrier's SGSN, a secure tunnel can be        established between the carrier and the enterprise networks. The        GGSN component can be split among two components of the Gateway        Server: One component located in the carrier network (within the        GS-C), and a second component located in the enterprise (within        the GS-E). Similarly this can be achieved with a Home Agent        function located within the enterprise and connected with the        carrier's Foreign Agent for CDMA networks. As such, the        invention:        -   Eliminates the need for VPN software to be launched on the            mobile device        -   Subjects the mobile device to enterprise data policy            including security and firewalls no matter where the device            is located, and without the need for user interaction—all            data sessions are routed through the enterprise's corporate            network and firewalls        -   Enables software applications to be embedded in wireless            devices that can be launched remotely to, for example,            destroy data on the device should the unit be lost or            stolen—e.g. Poison Pills

The present invention in one embodiment includes a software/serversystem that advantageously provides a cost effective and transparentmeans to connect enterprise employees' cellular phones to theircorporation's PBX. The solution provides corporations with the abilityto achieve, with regular single-mode mobile phones used by employeeswithout requiring any special dialing sequences, the same PBX basedbenefits now provided for fixed office landline phones. The solutioncreates a multi-dimensional paradigm shift in the enterprisetelecommunications market that is expected to change the way enterprisespurchase and integrate cellular service with their PBX as well as theway carriers compete for all phone services to the enterprise.

The solution provides a unique product and business concept that ishighly strategic for enterprise customers and channel distributionpartners. Mobile operators have the opportunity to benefit fromenterprises' need for operational control, efficiency and flexibility.The solution drives competitive advantage, higher market share andincreased revenues for network operators by extending the cellularnetwork and its call control into the enterprise.

One implication of moving the call control into the enterprise is thatthe invention enables the enterprise to control theircommunications—enabling the enterprise to track, monitor and even recordvoice conversations that occur on public carrier networks. Theenterprise will be able to enforce policy-based call routing foremployees making and receiving calls on public cellular networks. Thismeans they can allow/prevent calls based on specific criteria such asdestinations, time of day, external stimuli (e.g. active employeebadge), other circumstances. As a result, corporations submitting tocontrol-procedure legislations such as Sarbanes-Oxley will now have theability to manage and control cellular communications in line with theirlandline (PBX) and data networks (e.g. e-mail traffic).

The gateway server transparently extends the cellular network directlyto the PBX in the enterprise, ultimately enabling the enterprise toequally ‘plug’ cellular service into their PBX from a choice ofproviders, alongside their local and long distance landline service. Inthe enterprise, the server according to one aspect of the presentinvention is a mobility gateway that enables the enterprise to manageits own cellular services and costs as well as to deploy customizedmobility solutions to bridge their internal business applications andprocesses with mobile devices. The architecture addresses the extensionof the PBX control over both cellular voice and data systems, inaddition to the current PBX control over land line voice. The approachof the present invention is a networking solution versus adevice-centric solution, and does not require the enterprise to deployand manage complex RF (radio frequency) components or purchasespecialized mobile devices.

For the enterprise, the solution enables them to manage and controltheir cellular services & costs by routing all employees' cellular voiceand data calls through their corporate PBX network, while simultaneouslyenabling them to deploy customized and secure mobility solutionsintegrated with their internal IT systems. For the mobile operator, thesolution enables them to capture market share, grow revenues, reduceoperational expenses and reduce churn in the highly profitableenterprise segment.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a gateway server at 10 accordingto one preferred embodiment of the invention.

The gateway server:

-   -   Enables the enterprise to manage and control its cellular        service.    -   Enables the enterprise to achieve significant overall cost        reductions for telecommunications.    -   Includes an overall platform and architecture for improved and        integrated wireless enterprise solutions.    -   Drives convergence between the enterprise's cellular and Voice        over IP (Internet Protocol) infrastructure.

The gateway server 10 leverages the benefits of Voice over IP withcellular to extend the cellular network into the enterprise. The gatewayserver 10 addresses both cellular voice and data, and is a networkingsolution that works together with the enterprise's existing PBX,performing mobile call control functions (routing and services).

Additionally, the gateway server 10:

-   -   Bridges the enterprise PBX and public cellular environments to        enable telecom applications for the cellular user, such as        short-code dialing (e.g. 4 and 5-digit dialing), one number        service (one phone number for the desktop and cellular phone),        single voice mail box.    -   Enables the enterprise to leverage their existing telecom assets        for cellular use (e.g., least-cost routing over corporation's        VoIP or leased-lines network for discounted long distance; use        of existing PBX voicemail system).    -   Is an application platform for deploying mobile IT applications.        Either the enterprise IT department or a Systems Integrator can        develop and integrate specific applications to interface with        the corporation's cellular devices.        -   For example, the enterprise can choose to replace the            deskphone of an office employee with an inexpensive mobile            phone. For this employee, when they ‘badge-out’ of the            building at the end of the day, the enterprise security            badging system can be used to inform the gateway server to            de-activate the mobile phone, until the employee returns to            the office and ‘badges-in’ the next morning. Alternatively,            the gateway server can track and record the calls made            outside the office hours, and enable the enterprise to            charge them to the business, to the employee, or record them            as a corporate benefit.    -   Provides a single control point for the IT organization to        monitor and control cellular usage and services—all cellular        calls can be tracked and recorded in the enterprise's PBX        system.

The gateway server may be software-only solution that can execute onstandard, inexpensive Linux platforms. The gateway server may consist ofa mobile core network (for call handling and routing) and servicesnetwork (voice and data services such as PBX-based short code dialing,voicemail, conference calling, VPN, etc.) components. It may beappropriately scaled down to the smaller subscriber base of adecentralized large enterprise, in the order of hundreds to severalthousand subscribers, compared with carrier systems that manage manymillions of “centralized” subscribers. The gateway server is designed tobe managed and maintained by the same IT group that currently managesthe enterprise's PBX system.

The gateway server in some aspects is a cellular system which does notrequire or include any radio frequency network components—which arehighly complicated and expensive to deploy and manage. Campus radionetworks, whether cellular, Wi-Fi or other, require highly skilled anddedicated resources to maintain and ensure network stability for theenterprise's critical voice and data communications, whilesimultaneously managing their spatial co-existence with live publiccarrier radio networks overlapping the enterprise campus.

Instead, the invention includes a method for combining the technologyfor enabling enterprises to integrate its call control and services witha proven business model (MVNOs) that further enables the enterprise tonegotiate with carriers for a reasonable discounted price to use thecarrier's professional nationwide cellular network. To the carrier, thismaintains large numbers of high-value enterprise customers locked in ontheir networks, while reducing their costs of acquiring and maintainingindividual subscribers.

One network architecture implementing an aspect of the present inventionis shown in FIG. 4. From an IT organization perspective, the gatewayserver 10 appears as an extention to the PBX. To the cellular network,the gateway server 10 appears as a standard in-network endpoint fordelivering calls. To the enterprise PBX, the gateway server 10 appearsas a set of standard PBX endpoints (e.g. deskphones, or IP clients). Thegateway server 10 mediates between the two disparate sets of networkprotocols and state machines.

The gateway server 10 includes the network functions for both voice(gateway MSC) and data (gateway GPRS Support Node or Home Agent), VoIPcapability for interconnecting the mobile network with the enterprisethereby eliminating PSTN interconnect charges, a billing gateway, and anext-generation Network Services gateway (platform enabling third partyvalue added services for the enterprise (e.g. mobile phoneactivation/de-activation, corporate directory integration) based on IMS(IP Multimedia Subsystem). It also includes the element managementsubsystem (EMS) and a service management subsystem (SMS) for theoperational support system (OSS). The following Legend identified someof the terms used in FIG. 4.

Legend

-   -   GPRS: General Packet Radio Services—Provides mobility        management, session management and transport for Internet        Protocol packet services in GSM cellular packet networks.    -   GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the most        popular standard for mobile phones in the world. GSM is both an        air interface and networking protocol. In the US this protocol        is used by T-Mobile and Cingular. The most popular alternative        combines the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) air interface        protocol and ANSI41 networking protocol that are used in the US        by Verizon Wireless and Sprint.    -   HLR: Home Location Register—The central database that contains        details of each mobile phone subscriber that is authorised to        use the cellular core network.    -   IETF: Internet Engineering Task Force—Is charged with developing        and promoting Internet standards, in particular, those of the IP        protocol suite    -   IP: Internet Protocol—A data-oriented protocol used by source        and destination hosts for communicating data across a        packet-switched internetwork    -   ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network—A type of circuit        switched telephone network system, designed to allow digital        transmission of voice and data over ordinary telephone copper        wires    -   ISUP: ISDN User Part—Part of the Signaling System #7 which is        used to set up telephone calls in Public Switched Telecom        Networks.    -   MAP: Mobile Application Part (MAP)—A GSM protocol that provides        an application layer for the various nodes in the core mobile        network to communicate with each other in order to provide        services to mobile phone users    -   MSC: Mobile Switching Center—The component of a cellular system        that carries out switching functions and manages the        communications between mobile phones and the Public Switched        Telephone Network.    -   PRI: Primary Rate Interface—A telecommunications standard for        carrying multiple voice and data transmissions between two        physical locations.    -   PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network—The concentration of the        world's public circuit-switched telephone networks, in much the        same way that the Internet is the concentration of the world's        public IP-based packet-switched networks.    -   SGSN: Serving GPRS Support Node—The component of a cellular        system that keeps track of the location of an individual mobile        station and performs security functions and access control for        Internet Protocol packet services in GSM cellular packet        networks.    -   SIGTRAN: The name given to an IETF working group that produced        specifications for a family of protocols that provide reliable        datagram service and user layer adaptations for SS7 and ISDN        communications protocols.    -   SS7: Signalling System #7—A set of telephony signalling        protocols which are used to set up the vast majority of the        world's PSTN telephone calls    -   TDM: Time Division Multiplexing—A method for sending multiple        digital signals along a single telecommunications transmission        path    -   VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol—The routing of voice        conversations over the Internet or any other IP-based network.

Configurations: The solution enables various configurations to bedeployed.

-   -   a. Pure enterprise call control in which the GS is located at        the enterprise site (GS-E) as shown in FIG. 4A (denoted as GS).        The GS-E interfaces with the cellular network nodes supporting        SS7 and SIP or other messaging with the carrier network. The        carrier network must be able to address the GS-E in order to        send and receive messages.    -   b. Split call control between carrier and enterprise in which        the GS located at the enterprise (GS-E) interacts with a GS at        the carrier (GS-C) as shown in FIG. 4B. The connection between        the GS-E and the GS-C can be SIP or other protocols. This        configuration typically enables the carrier network to have a        central point of control for interacting with multiple        enterprises, and may not require the use of SS7 messaging to the        enterprise—instead it is possible to have a secure IP connection        supporting SIP. This is also useful for offering a Centrex        solution for interconnecting with a carrier-hosted PBX, or for        interconnecting a carrier-hosted GS with enterprise-hosted PBX        systems. The GS-C supports an SS7 point code multiplexer in        which only one or two point codes are needed to address all        enterprises, since the GS-C can identify for which enterprise        the message is intended. The GS-E is able to provision the GS-C        automatically over the IP interface to manage subscribers, e.g.        to add new pilot DNs for new subscribers. In this case the        triggers used by the originating and terminating triggers used        in the cellular network for routing the calls to the GS-C can        add identifying information of the specific enterprise in the        triggering messages (e.g. ORREQ). Alternatively the GS-C can        identify the enterprise based on the calling party information.

The following description is based on FIG. 4A and illustrates oneoperation of the invention. When an employee originates a call, theinformation is transmitted to the MSC where the subscriber's profile isexamined. The subscriber profile, previously downloaded to the MSC fromthe HLR when the subscriber activated and registered on the network,contains information that might say they have no voicemail service(since they are using the enterprise voicemail system), no three-waycalling capability (since they are using the enterprise conferencebridge capabilities), and have an Intelligent Network trigger for calloriginations, terminations and mid-call triggers. These triggers directthe MSC to query an SCP (Service Control Point) to analyze the digitsdialed and decide on how to continue to route the call. The SCP isaddressed using standard SS7 point codes. Alternatively, in an IMSarchitecture, the SCP can be an IMS SIP Application Server that isaddressed via IP addressing instead of an SS7 point code. The gatewayserver acts as the SCP and receives the message where it communicateswith the PBX to determine the routing of the call based on criteria suchas whether the call should be directed into the enterprise to send to alocal device, redirect over corporate least-cost methods, requiresmonitoring, or if the call should be routed directly by the carrier if,for example, the destination is to another subscriber on the samenetwork in the same calling area and does not need to be monitored. Thegateway server then responds to the MSC with the routing instructions.In the case where it has been decided to route the call into theenterprise, the MSC may be instructed to route the call over the PSTNnetwork, or alternatively and preferred, the MSC may be instructed toroute the call to a soft-switch which will connect the cellular TDM callwaiting in the MSC to a Media Gateway which will convert the TDM to VoIPand route the IP-based voice traffic to the enterprise. The media isthen redirected at the enterprise to the destination by either thegateway server or the PBX. In some cases, the gateway server may act asa back-to-back user agent (B2BUA) to the PBX in which the incoming callfrom the MSC is directed to be routed to a destination that is the B2BUAvia the PBX. The gateway server, acting as the B2BUA, can then establisha new call leg to the original destination through the PBX (based on theinformation received when the gateway server was acting as the SCP/IMSSIP Application Server), and then connect the incoming call from the MSCto the new call leg.

Current enterprise PBX systems are developed to be ‘enterprise grade’ interms of their reliability and availability, compared with carriernetwork systems which are ‘carrier grade’ with failover solutions toprevent or minimize interruption of service. Enterprise PBX systems areby design not as reliable as carrier networks. With the gateway serversolution of the present invention, overall system availability isincreased as the gateway server intermediates between the carrier andenterprise networks. If the PBX goes down, the gateway server 10 caninstruct the carrier to route calls on behalf of the enterprise untilthe PBX is back in service. In the event that the gateway server 10should go out of service, the architecture of the invention is such thatthe carrier network will automatically take over the calls, with onlynominal delays in routing (for example, a timeout event may occur in theMSC, after which the MSC will continue).

Many cellular carriers today allow free calling between subscribers onthe same networks (e.g. Verizon to Verizon, T-Mobile to T-Mobile). Thisis partly because the call is maintained within the cellular carrier'sown network, thus no PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)interconnect charges apply to the carrier. In addition, to call from acellular phone on one carrier to a cellular phone on another carrier, orfrom a cellular phone to a landline phone requires the call be routedthrough the PSTN, thus incurring PSTN interconnect charges to thecarrier.

One architecture of the present invention as shown in FIG. 5 employsVoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to interconnect the carrier'scellular network, via a managed IP network or the Internet, with theenterprise network, eliminating PSTN interconnect charges to the carrierwhere allowed (certain countries do not allow bypassing PSTNinterconnect). As a result, employing this solution enables cellularcalls from an enterprise user on one cellular network to connect withanother enterprise user on a different cellular network withoutincurring PSTN interconnect charges for either cellular carrier therebyreducing the cost for the cellular carriers to service the enterprisecalls. This is because the call is routed by the gateway server from thefirst cellular carrier into the enterprise using VoIP, and from theenterprise out to the terminating cellular carrier using VoIP.

Similarly, cellular calls from enterprise users to landline phones arealso transitioned from the cellular network to the enterprise over VoIP,and are connected with the PSTN at the enterprise's PBX instead of beingconnected to the PSTN from the cellular network. Again, this reduces thecost for the cellular carrier to service enterprise calls.

For the enterprise, PSTN interconnect charges are included as part ofthe landline subscription. North American landline calling plans aretypically ‘all-you-can-eat’, with no per-minute charges for local PSTNinterconnection. In Europe and other parts of the world, landline callsare charged per time interval (e.g. per minute, or per 6-secondinterval), however at a substantially lower connection charge than forcellular calls.

The diagram of FIG. 5 outlines the architecture using VoIP between thecarrier and the enterprise. The Gateway Server-Carrier (GS-C) is locatedin the carrier site. The Gateway Server-Enterprise (GS-E) is located inthe various enterprise sites. GS-C supports carrier network SS7 and IPsignaling within the carrier's network environment. The GS-C may containinformation about multiple enterprises that use the present inventionincluding information about the individual enterprise networkconfigurations. The GS-C may also contain certain subscriber informationfor employees of the enterprise that assists the GS-C in optimallyrouting the calls or handle emergency situations. The GS-C communicateswith the GS-E sites to determining if the cellular call should be routedinto the enterprise network, and if so what is the closest point ofattachment. Advantageously, the interface between the GS-C and GS-E istypically all IP-based—SIP, SIGTRAN or even an encapsulation of cellularprotocols such as GSM MAP or ANSI-41 within IP or SIP. The GS-Einterfaces with the enterprise PBX. Once the optimal routing is defined,the GS-E informs the GS-C. The GS-C communicates with the carrier'ssoftswitch and media gateway to establish a bearer path that convertsthe TDM voice from the MSC to VoIP to be delivered to the enterprise.Once the bearer is connected with the enterprise, it is redirected tothe appropriate destination using the bearer resources of theenterprise, such as VoIP connections to other offices, leased lines, orPSTN. The signaling and bearer traffic may traverse Session BorderControllers at the carrier and enterprise sites.

One preferred call flow for Call origination is shown in FIG. 6, and isas follows:

-   1. Origination Request received from Wireless Network-   2. Info message used to query GS-E about mobile origination policy    for subscriber-   3. info message received by GS-C with mobile origination policy-   4. Response is returned to ORREQ giving GS-C as the destination of    the call-   5. SS routes call to GS-C-   6. GS-C—conveys the now call initiation to the GS-E-   7. GS-E provides routing information to GS-C to get the mobile    subscriber's call to route to their home PBX-   8. Receipt of routing information is acknowledged by GS-C-   9. The call is responded to providing the new contact address for    GS-E.-   10. Rerouting response is acknowledged-   11. The call invitation is routed to GS-E-   12. Media Server ports are requested—so that digits dialed can be    capture for feature invocation-   13. The media server responds with the ports allocated.-   14. GS-E sends the call invite to the PBX for routing to the    intended destination—user B-   15. The PBX forwards on the Call invite to the User 8-   16. User B indicates that ringing is occurring-   17. The PBX sends the ringing indication onto the GS-E box-   18. The GS-E box propagates the ringing indication to the wireless    network-   19. User 8 answers the call-   20. Answer is sent by PBX to GS-E-   21. GS-C provides the destination port information to the Media    Server-   22. Media Server acknowledges request-   23. GS-C sends response to call onto wireless network-   24. Answer is acknowledged by wireless network-   25. GS-C propagates the acknowledgment to the PBX-   26. PBX propagates the acknowledgment to User B-   27. User B hangs up the call-   28. PBX propagates the BYE to GS-E-   29. GS-E, releases the media Server context-   30. Media Server acknowledges the release-   31. GS-E propagates the Bye to the wireless network.

One preferred call flow for effecting Call Delivery using VoIP is shownin FIG. 7 and is as follows:

1. Call Originates to PBX

2. PBX delivers call invite to User B desktop phone

3. PBX forks the call—delivers call invite to GS for wireless user

4. GS-E allocates a media port to insert into the call path

5. Media Server acknowledges media resource allocation

6. User B indicates that ringing is occurring on desktop phone

7. Invite for mobile phone is sent into GS-C

8. GS-C using the Location Request—asks for the Temporary Routing numberrequired to deliver call to endpoint

9. Wireless network responses with the TLDN

10. GS-C tells GS-E to redirect the call to the TLDN

11. 302 Response is acknowledged

12. GS-E routes the call to the TLDN

13. Wireless network indicates that ringing is occurring on wirelessphone

14. GS-E propagates ringing to PBX for wireless end point

15. Wireless phone indicates that call has been answered

16. GS-E box modifies media context to include the wireless port numberinformation

17. Media server acknowledge update of media context

18. GS-E sends OK to PBX to acknowledge answer of call

19. PBX cancel the call log to User B

20. PBX acknowledges call answer to GS-E

21. GS-E propagates ACK to wireless network

22. User B acknowledges the cancel request

23. PBX acknowledges receipt of the request terminated message.

One preferred call flow for effecting Mobile termination using VoIP isshown in FIG. 8 and is as follows:

1. Termination Trigger indicating that call has been terminated toMobile number

2. GS-C requests termination policy from GSE

3. GS-E returns termination policy and based on policy routes call intoenterprise for handling

4. GS E GS-C reroutes call into Enterprise for handling

5. Call arrives at GS-E for handling

6. GS-E allocates media ports for feature invocation

7. Media Ports and allocate and response is returned

8. GS-E ask PBX to route call to appropriate end point

9. PBX sends invite to end point

10. End Point starts ringing the end point

11. Ringing indication is sent back to GS-E

12. Endpoint answers the call

13. Response is relayed to GS-E

14. Media Ports are modified to reflect end point IP address/port

15. Media Server confirms that ports have been set up

16. Ack confirms that bearer path is set up to PBX

17. Ack confirms to end point that bearer path is set up

TABLE 1 Benefit Description Increased personal and The gateway server'scellular workgroup access enables anytime, anywhere productivityaccessibility using the enterprise's corporate PBX network. Extendingvoice and other applications such as e-mail and instant messaging withmobility creates immediate produc- tivity improvements Lower LongDistance Because the gateway server solution Costs includes routing allenterprise users' cellular calls through the enterprise Voice over IPnetwork, voice traffic is always routed efficiently and takes advantageof the enterprise's low cost long distance services. The higher volumeof traffic also enables the enterprise to negotiate better rates fromtheir long distance service provider. Seamless integration Using Voiceover IP technology, with the enterprise the gateway server integratesPBX and IT seamlessly with the enterprise's applications existing PBXsolution. Additionally, the gateway server provides a platform fortightly integrating wireless access with IT applications. Examples ofthese applications include e-mail, instant messaging, sales force auto-mation, enterprise resource planning, field support, time reporting,customer billing, etc. Control of a Mission The gateway server enablesthe enter- Critical Service prise to control its cellular service bothfrom an administrative perspec- tive and a disaster recoveryperspective. For example, the gateway server lets the enterprise and/orthe employee handle the provisioning of their own services.Additionally, the gateway server supports geographic redundancy, suchthat in the event of a disaster at one location, all control istransferred to the backup installation. Leverages existing The gatewayserver solution allows enterprise the enterprise to re-use other voiceinfrastructure and data infrastructure for both desktop and cellularuse- One key example is the enterprise voice mail system: Both thedesktop phone and wireless phone can forward to the same voice mail boxoperated by the enterprise. Message waiting indicators can be turned onand off on both phones simultaneously. Enables “best- The gateway serverenables the practices” control enterprise to monitor and record cellularprocedures phone calls, just as they can do with deskphone calls today.This supports “Sarbanes-Oxley”-like control procedures that are beingimplemented by major corporations for best practices. Seamless cellularThe gateway server solution includes service, globally the necessarybusiness agreements (including roaming agreements) to enable enterpriseusers to have seamless cellular access all over the world. HigherControl for the Companies typically allow an employee Enterprise tochoose their own cellular phone, plan and carrier. Unlike the desktopphone, the company has no controls over how the employee uses thecellular phone. The gateway server solution provides for a policy- basedservice provisioning: Employees are given a profile which defines whatkind of calls they can make. Today, when the employee terminates theiremployment with the company, they keep their phone and cellular phonenumber. As the company's customers have been given this number, theywill continue calling the employee after he has left the company. Withthe gateway server solution this situation will not occur as the companyis now in control of both the mobile device and cellular number. Callsto an un- used number can be intercepted and handled appropriately.Convenience of One Enterprise users will no longer have Number to giveout both desktop and cellular numbers. The gateway server solutionintegrates seamlessly with the enterprises PBX and enables advancedservices like “One Number”. Single corporate wide The gateway server andthe enterprise dialing plan PBX can share a common dialing plan. Thismeans that four or five digit dialing available on the desktop phone canalso be used on the cellular phone (both in and out of the office). Italso means that all cellular calls will be routed in the same way a calloriginated from a desktop is routed. Lower Administration Using thegateway server solution, Costs the enterprise always receives the lowestnegotiated rate for both cellular voice and cellular data traffic. Thegateway server decides whether to route the call into the enterprise tobe routed over the enterprise network, or to instruct the cellularnetwork to proceed with routing the call (for example, if one enterpriseuser is calling another enterprise user on the same cellular network,and neither user is marked for the con- versation to be monitored).Neither the enterprise nor the employee have to evaluate the differentplans the cellular operator offers and guess at which one would be bestsuited to the employee. Instead, all employees are part of the singlecorporate negotiated plan. Addition- ally, costs involved in expensingand reimbursing employee cellular phone costs are eliminated. SecurityAs the gateway server includes the wireless data router, securityvulnerabilities are reduced as data traffic is never “exposed” outsideof the enterprise.

The invention enables a multi-dimensional paradigm change that hasprofound effects on the overall industry, as it will not only change howenterprises purchase and use cellular service—but will ultimately impactthe entire value chain for wireless and wireline service providers andmanufacturers.

The gateway server 10 architecture enables the migration of centralizedcall control from the cellular carrier networks to distributed callcontrol throughout individual enterprise networks. The gateway server 10enables cellular service to effectively be “plugged-in” to the PBX,similar to how local and long distance service are connected to currentPBXs.

As a result of gateway server 10 capability, enterprises are equippedfor carriers to compete for the enterprise's cellular PBX service asthey do today for local and long distance interconnection with the PBX.By winning the business, carriers will benefit from locking in largenumbers of users while significantly reducing its sales, marketing, andacquisition costs since service minutes will be sold bulk to theenterprise as a whole, no longer to individual employees. Though theinvention has been described with respect to a specific preferredembodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It istherefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted asbroadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all suchvariations and modifications.

Advantages of the gateway architecture are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Situation without Gateway Server Situation with Gateway ServerCost for Cellular High Cost Low Cost Service Asset Reuse No utilizationof enterprise telecom assets High utilization of enterprise enterprisetelecom assets Services Purchase all services from carrier (e.g. LongReuse corporate Voice over IP, least cost Distance, Voicemail, 3-waycalling, etc.) routing, voicemail, etc. Devices Each employee requires adeskphone and a Possibility to replace deskphone with cellular separatecellular phone phone results in less equipment to support and lesssubscriptions Move-Add- MAC required every time employee changes No MACsrequired for cellular-PBX users Changes (MACs) offices for desk phone =time + expense Control of Cellular Low degree of control - managedexclusively Higher degree of Control for enterprise Usage by carrierRate Individual cellular subscription plans Bulk Rate discount minutesfor all employees On-Net Routing Two-stage dialing required. Difficultto dial Automatic on-net routing, no user contacts intervention requiredLong Distance Purchased from carrier - Included in service Bulk rateairtime minutes do not include Long plan for national LD, chargedseparately for Distance (lower cost to enterprise) - any LDinternational at high rates calls (national or international) are routedover corporate VoIP network: “Forced on- net” Tail-end Hop Off NoTail-end Flop Off Tail-end Hop Off for long distance calls wherepermitted Service Provider Individual employee relationships withcarrier Single relationship into Service Provider for Relationship allcorporate subscribers - Better leverage for negotiating supply, reducesminutes wasted in individual buckets Sales, Marketing. Carrier subjectto expenses for sales, Single relationship between enterprise & CustomerCare, marketing, subsidies per individual subscriber carrier: Noindividual sales, marketing, Subsidies subsidies Customer Care Providedby carrier Tier 1 provided by enterprise PBX IT department, Tier 2 bycarrier Expense Handling Manual expense handling per employee PBX trackscellular calls - charges to appropriate cost center, like landline callsVoIP Integration No VoIP integration - all LD from carrier VoIPintegration with carrier eliminates trunks PSTN Interconnect charges;VoIP call routing on enterprise networks for LD Policy and Control NoPolicy control Calls subject to PBX corporate policies per user(internal calling only, local calling allowed, national long distanceallowed, international allowed) Tracking Tracking of cellular calls viaprinted Cellular calls automatically tracked in PBX subscriber bill onlyCall Monitoring Cannot monitor or record cellular calls Cellular callscan be monitored and recorded no matter where subscriber is locatedReconciliation No reconciliation for cellular charges fromReconciliation of cellular calls tracked in carrier PBX with carrierrecords Integration with IT Little or no integration with corporate ITCan be integrated with corporate IT Applications applications.applications, e.g., Corporate Phone Directory, security/badging systemsto activate/deactivate cellular phone, corporate ERP, CRM systemsConvergence Cellular, Local and Long Distance from Possibility forsingle provider for Cellular, separate carriers Local and Long DistanceOne-Number Separate desk phone and cellular phone. Opportunity for truesingle number for both service cellular and desk phone DeviceAcquisition Through carrier - no customization Direct frommanufacturers. Possibility to Customization standardize corporate devicestrategy, customize to enterprise IT needs.Current Situation

Existing platforms for detecting DTMF digit events fall into one of thefollowing two categories:

Category I) Required to be a terminating end-point for a call session

Category II) Expensive hardware-based solution

Category I) solutions do not allow the call server to provide mid-callservices during an active two party call session and therefore do notprovide the necessary functionality. Category II) solutions provide thenecessary functionality but are too expensive and increase the hardwarefootprint too much to be viable solutions.

The Solution

One preferred embodiment of the invention includes a new mechanismwhereby a VoIP call server can detect Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF)digit events within the bearer stream of a VoIP call session. A callserver is defined as being an intermediate node on the signaling path ofa call (e.g. a routing proxy) rather than an endpoint such as anInteractive Voice Response (IVR) system. This embodiment of theinvention allows the call server to cost effectively provide mid-callservices to end clients based on DTMF digit events originated by aclient.

This preferred embodiment of the invention, herein as the Packet Engineand shown in FIG. 12, allows a call server to detect DTMF digit eventson the call path of an active two party call session using a softwareonly solution. This software only solution provides the requisitefunctionality in a cost-effective and scalable manner.

The Packet Engine can be advantageously deployed on a separate hardwareplatform from the call server, on the same hardware platform, or evenstatically linked into the call server process itself in order toprovide both flexibility and scalability. The Packet Engine supportscontrol by multiple call servers in the network. Likewise, a single callserver can control multiple Packet Engines providing for a many-to-manyrelationship.

In one preferred embodiment, the Packet Engine consists of two parts: auser space process as shown in FIG. 13 and a Linux kernel module asshown in FIG. 14. The user space process is responsible for receivingand sending commands to/from the call server. The user space processutilizes the Linux utility IPTables to create port mappings within theIP stack. This advantageously allows RTP media packets to flow from oneside of the Packet Engine to another in a highly efficient manner (allforwarding is done within the stack preventing packets from being sentup to the user space process).

The second part of the Packet Engine, the kernel module, allows thePacket Engine to determine which packets being forwarded by the IP stackcontain DTMF digits. The kernel module examines the headers of each RTPpacket being forwarded and checks the Payload Type field. If the PayloadType field indicates the packet contains a DTMF event (encoded as perIETF RFC 2833) then the kernel module sends the packet up to the userspace process for further application level processing. The kernelmodule advantageously operates as an extension (plugin) to the Linuxkernel and therefore allows incoming packets to be examined in a highlyefficient manner since the packet never leaves the kernel.

Once in the user space, the DTMF events are reported up to the callserver in order to enable feature invocation. The Packet Engine can besupervised by the call server to only look for specific DTMF digitpatterns and report them to the call server or it can be supervised tolook for and report all DTMF digit events. The Packet Engine utilizes abuffer and an inter-digit timer to determine the start and stop of digitpatterns (e.g. *97) in order to differentiate a feature invocation digitpattern from standard DTMF digits being sent to end client applicationsuch as an IVR.

The invention also advantageously provides a network-based architecturethat enables the support for existing standard cellular handsets,without modifications or client software on the devices. Next generationspecialized Wi-Fi and client-based handsets are also supported. Bycomparison, alternative solutions may require specific expensivespecialized handsets with downloadable software clients that need to bemanaged by the enterprise IT department. The usability of these servicesis often not as intuitive and simple as using the standard phonecapability for making calls, since the software is downloaded onto thedevice and subject to the device's capabilities and restrictions such aswindow screen size and soft & hard key programming. In addition, becausethe client is itself is an application running on the device, the clienthas to be activated, or ‘turned-on’ to run the application to integratewith the enterprise network. This means it may be possible that theemployee chooses not to activate the feature, and thereby continue tomake calls on the cellular network that are not tracked, managed,monitored or routed over the corporate network (for least cost routing)by the enterprise's PBX.

Because the described solution is network-based, the employee cannotcircumvent the enterprise integration. At the discrection of theenterprise, employees may be permitted to use the cellular phone forpersonal use, for example on weekends or after work, by tracking thesecalls and charging them to the employee or deducting directly from theirpaycheck. The cost of the personal calls may still be at the corporatediscounted rates which would thereby benefit the employee.

IMS Architecture

The gateway server 10 is based on the next generation IMS (IP MultimediaSubsystem) architecture as shown in FIG. 10, and is designed to bebackward compatible with legacy cellular networks based on existingcellular protocols. This feature enables the gateway server 10 to befutureproof as operators roll out an IMS architecture over time, whilestill supporting the overwhelming majority of existing legacy networksand devices that do not support IMS.

Current competing solutions are designed using legacy networkarchitecture only, with no support for IMS. Effectively, the gatewayserver IMS solution adds modules for supporting ANSI-41/WIN andGSM-MAP/CAMEL and AIN protocols to achieve backward compatibility withlegacy networks, as shown in FIG. 11.

Legend

-   -   BSC: Base Station Controller—Component of a cellular network        that connects between the MSC and the Base Station Transceivers        that communicate with mobile devices over the air    -   CAMEL: Customised Applications for Mobile networks Enhanced        Logic—A set of GSM standards designed to allow an operator to        define services over and above standard GSM services based on        the Intelligent Network (IN) standards, and uses the CAP        protocol.    -   CAP: CAMEL Application Part—Protocol stack that provides service        control for voice & data services and IP multimedia sessions    -   CCCF: Call Continuity Control Function—Signaling function for        ensuring voice call continuity across disparate networks such as        from cellular to Wi-Fi networks    -   IM-SSF: IP Multimedia Service Switching Function—Interfaces with        CAMEL Application Servers using CAP    -   MGCF: Media gateway Control Function—Signalling controller of        Media gateways using SIP    -   MGW: Media gateway—Component of a communications network that        converts between different media types (e.g. VoIP and TDM voice)        for delivering bearer traffic.    -   MMSC: Multimedia Messaging System—A system of transmitting        various kinds of multimedia contents (e.g. images, audio &/or        video clips) over wireless networks using the Wireless        Application Protocol (WAP) protocol.    -   NeDS: Network Domain Selection—Signaling function that controls        selection of different access networks for delivering calls    -   P-CSCF: Proxy Call Session Control Function—The SIP proxy server        that is the first point of contact for a terminal with the IMS        network    -   SCP: Service Control Point—A standard component of IN        (Intelligent Networks) used to execute and control IN services    -   S-CSCF: Serving Call Session Control Function—The central IMS        SIP server of the signalling plane for controlling sessions    -   SIP: Session Initiation Protocol—A protocol developed by the        IETF for initiating, modifying, and terminating an interactive        user session that involves multimedia elements such as video,        voice, instant messaging. In November 2000, SIP was accepted as        a signaling protocol of the IMS architecture. It is one of the        leading signalling protocols for Voice over IP, along with        H.323.    -   SIP-AS: SIP Application Server—IMS element for invoking and        controlling services    -   SMSC: Short Message Service Center—Application for enabling the        transmission and reception of text messages on mobile phones    -   VM: Voicemail—Application for recording and retrieving voice        messages    -   WAP: Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)—Open standard for        Internet access from a mobile phone.    -   WIN: Wireless Intelligent Network—Signaling standard designed to        allow an operator to define services over and above standard        ANSI-41 services based on the Intelligent Network (IN) standards

The invention also advantageously provides a network-based architecturethat enables the support for existing standard cellular handsets,without modifications or client software on the devices. Next generationspecialized Wi-Fi and client-based handsets are also supported. Bycomparison, alternative solutions may require specific expensivespecialized handsets with downloadable software clients that need to bemanaged by the enterprise IT department. The usability of these servicesis often not as intuitive and simple as using the standard phonecapability for making calls, since the software is downloaded onto thedevice and subject to the device's capabilities and restrictions such aswindow screen size and soft & hard key programming. In addition, becausethe client is itself is an application running on the device, the clienthas to be activated, or ‘turned-on’ to run the application to integratewith the enterprise network. This means it may be possible that theemployee chooses not to activate the feature, and thereby continue tomake calls on the cellular network that are not tracked, managed,monitored or routed over the corporate network (for least cost routing)by the enterprise's PBX.

Because the described solution is network-based, the employee cannotcircumvent the enterprise integration. At the discrection of theenterprise, employees may be permitted to use the cellular phone forpersonal use, for example on weekends or after work, by tracking thesecalls and charging them to the employee or deducting directly from theirpaycheck. The cost of the personal calls may still be at the corporatediscounted rates which would thereby benefit the employee.

System and Method for Executing Originating Services in a TerminatingNetwork for IMS and Non-IMS Applications

The invention describes a system and method for executing originatingservices in a terminating IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network in whicha triggered application may or may not support IMS.

One of the benefits of such an invention is to enable an IMS network tointerface with a non-IMS network. Another benefit is to enable an IMSnetwork to interface with a second IMS network supporting a non-IMSapplication. A third benefit is that an originating IMS network need nothave to support all originating services for the originator as theinvention enables a second network to offer originating services for anoriginator in a first network.

A Gateway Server acting as an IMS standard-compliant SIP ApplicationServer in a first IMS network can communicate with a corresponding GS inthe terminating network to enable origination services to be executed inthe terminating network even if the terminating network is notIMS-compliant. The GS-C is typically located in the wireless carriernetwork which may be IMS-compliant, while the GS-E is typically locatedin the enterprise network which may or may not be IMS-compliant. Thisapplication server in the enterprise could be a PBX which effectivelyserves subscribers in a manner similar to an IMS Serving-CSCF, howeverdoes not support IMS interfaces.

Irrespective of whether the terminating network is IMS-compliant or not,the described architecture in which a GS is acting as an IMS-compliantSIP-AS within the IMS network interfacing with a GS in another networkenables this second network to offer origination services separatelyfrom the first network.

For this to occur, the session, when passed to the GS-C applicationserver, is redirected into the terminating network, which could be anenterprise. This is performed by resetting the destination address to anenterprise specific address and instructing the wireless network routethat session into the foreign domain of the enterprise network. GS-C maycommunicate with the GS-E directly outside the IMS network, or throughthe stand IMS network messaging.

To enable the execution of originating services within the terminatingnetwork, the GS solution enables the enterprise network to provide thoseservices by passing the session to a PBX as if it were a request fororiginating services. Therefore two types of originating services can beexecuted—those in the wireless carrier network (the originating network)and those of the enterprise (the terminating network).

In a similar manner, termination services are executed in theterminating network. When a session is terminated to an enterprise user,the GS solution enables the PBX to execute its terminating services forthat user, and then pass the session to the IMS network as a terminationsuch that the terminating wireless carrier may also apply terminatingservices for the terminating mobile subscriber.

FIG. 15 outlines the current IMS standard definition in which an IMSdevice A originating a session with the carrier IMS network communicateswith the data gateway (1) which forward to the P-CSCF (2) whichultimately communicates with the Serving-CSCF (3). The S-CSCF triggerson the Initial Filter Criteria (IFC) to one or many SIP-AS which performthe origination services for user A prior to routing the session (6) tothe destination in the terminating carrier IMS network through theI-CSCF to user B's S-CSCF (7).

The S-CSCF then triggers on the IFC to one or many SIP-AS which performthe terminating services for User B (8)-(9) prior to terminating thesession through the data gateway (11) to user B.

FIG. 16 outlines the invention whereby the steps 1 through 5 are thesame as previously described, whereby the GS-C represents a SIP-AS thatis triggered by the IFC. The GS-C may communicate with the GS-E directly(8) to prepare it for an upcoming communication (9), in which case theGS-C/E are treated as a complex by the originating network's S-CSCF.Alternatively the GS-C can communicate with the GS-E entity through thestandard IMS interfaces (9). In either case, the S-CSCF then routes thesession (9) to the destination in the terminating carrier IMS networkthrough the I-CSCF as part of the GS-E, to user B's S-CSCF (10), whichmay act as a front-end converted to a non-IMS application such as a PBX.In this case the S-CSCF Front End (FE) converts the IMS messaging intothe corresponding SIP-AS service-invocation messages of the non-IMSapplication (11).

The FE may convert the terminating services request to an originatingservices request prior to communicating with the terminating service(11). This allows the terminating service to invoke services as if itwere an originating node. For example, the PBX can perform originatingservices such as invoking call policy (restrict user A from dialinginternational) prior to routing the call.

Once the originating services are executed, the non-IMS application canthen perform terminating services. For example, the PBX could invokedestination services for user B to route calls from user A to voicemail.

In the case where the terminating network application were IMS-compliant(e.g. an IMS-compliant PBX), the FE would convert the terminatingservices request to an originating services request prior tocommunicating with the IMS-compliant application (11), and once theoriginating service has been performed, the application would returncontrol to the FE which would then invoke another service request backto the IMS-compliant application to perform terminating services.

System and Method for Enabling Multi-line Mobile Telephone Service on aSingle-Line Mobile Telephone

Another embodiment of the invention includes a system and method forenabling a multi-line mobile telephone service using a single-linemobile telephone. The embodiment of invention applies to various networkarchitectures used in communications systems including legacy mobilenetwork architecture based on SS7, GSM-MAP and/or ANSI-41, as well asthe next generation IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture.

One of the benefits of this embodiment is enabling a subscriber tomanipulate the outgoing caller identification information whenoriginating a call, such that the called party will see the identity(including the phone number and name information) that was selected bythe calling party.

An example of this embodiment of the usage of the invention might be adoctor whose patients are directed to call a special phone number toreach the doctor after hours. The doctor can set the special after-hoursphone number to forward to their mobile phone using existing solutionsthat exist today. This way the doctor need not give out their personalmobile phone information. When a patient calls the special after-hoursphone number, the call is forwarded to the doctor's mobile phone withoutrevealing the doctor's mobile phone number to the patient.

However in the reverse case, this embodiment of the invention enablesthe doctor to call a patient from their mobile phone without revealingtheir mobile phone number. This is done by enabling the doctor to selecta specific outgoing line from which to originate the call on theirmobile phone. The patient will see the calling party identificationinformation of the outgoing line selected by the doctor, which could bethe special after-hours phone number, not be the doctor's mobile phonenumber.

The function of this embodiment of the invention is described below.This feature can operate in a legacy mobile network architecture such asGSM-MAP or ANSI-41, or in a next generation architecture such as IMS.

Outgoing Call Handling

Prior to originating an outgoing call the calling party can identify theoutgoing line information using various means such as:

-   -   On a per-call basis, dialing a prefix to the outgoing number        such as #542 or *542 (where 54 are the digits that represent the        letters LI on a telephone keypad) indicating to use Line 2. Thus        the digit string might be *542-212-481-2813 <SEND>    -   On a permanent calling basis, dialing a feature-activation code        such as #542 or *542 indicating to use Line 2 for all outgoing        calls until a subsequent instruction is received. The digit        string might be *542 <SEND>. The subscriber can then dial any        outgoing call such as 212-481-2813, and the call will be        originated from Line 2.

Referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, to enable this capability, a GatewayServer Carrier (GS-C) acting as an IMS standard-compliant SIPApplication Server in an IMS network architecture, or acting as an SCP(Service Control Point) in a legacy network architecture, will betriggered by the network to invoke a service. In the IMS case thistrigger typically results from the Initial Filter Criteria (IFC) that isderived from the subscriber's Home Subscriber Server (HSS) profile andutilized by the Call State Control Function (CSCF). In the legacy casethis trigger results from an intelligent network trigger that isoriginated from the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) based on thesubscriber's Home Location Register (HLR) profile.

Once the trigger is received in the GS-C containing the digits dialed bythe subscriber, the GS-C can then invoke the service whereby it cancommunicate with a Gateway Server Enterprise (GS-E) located in anenterprise. The GS-E can then originate an outgoing call to the intendeddestination using the outgoing line including the appropriate callingline information selected by the subscriber, and then connect thatoutgoing call leg to the originating call leg from the subscriber.

In the case of a per-call invocation of the multi-line service,subsequent calls made from the mobile phone would have the lineselection default back to either a primary line, or to the last lineselected in a previous call. For example, if a user's primary line is212-814-4490, and they originate a call with digits *542-212-481-2813indicating to use line 2 to call to destination 212-481-2813, then ifthe same subscriber subsequently dials another number such as212-777-2222, this call would originate from either the primary line212-814-4490 or from the previously selected line 2 from the previousper-call invocation of *542-212-481-2813. Thus the called party(212-777-2222) would see the calling party information as either theprimary line 212-814-4490, or the previously per-call selected line212-481-2813. The preference of whether subsequent calls should defaultback to the primary line or to the last line selected in a previous callcan be defined by either the service provider, the system administratoror the user if permitted.

In the case of a permanent invocation of the multi-line service, allsubsequent calls to the feature invocation (i.e. following the dialingof *542 indicating the selection of line 2), would continue to use line2 until changed by the user, the system administrator or a function suchas a timer or external application. For example, a calendar event couldautomatically reset a doctor's outgoing mobile phone line back to thedaytime office number beginning each morning.

Additionally, a user may select a personality or profile based onvarious criteria (such as the user being at work, in a meeting, at homeoutside of work hours, etc.). The personality or profile can be selectedmanually or automatically set based on criteria such as whether theemployee has badged into the office or has logged into their workcomputer, Time-of-Day or Day-of-Week information, or other criteria. Thepersonality or profile would determine the outgoing line to be used—suchas a personal line when after six in the evening, or when the user hasbadged out of the office or has logged out of their work computer.Additionally the personality or profile could determine which voicemailsystem to use, in addition to the customizing and tailoring of otherservices.

Incoming Call Handling

Referring now to FIG. 19, for incoming calls on various lines that areto be directed to the subscriber's mobile phone, the calling name andnumber information may be preceded with supplementary information toindicate which line was called. For example, an indicator such as 2#could precede the incoming calling name or calling number information toindicate the call came in on line 2. Simultaneously or alternatively adistinctive ring can be invoked instead of the standard ring, toindicate which line was dialed by the calling party.

Note in some cases replacing the first set of digits (such as the areacode digits) with the line information may be preferred instead ofprefixing the line information to the full digits in order to preservethe display formatting on certain mobile phones. This is because certainmobile phones support only ten digits in the display, therefore if lineinformation is prefixed to the digits, the ending digits would notappear in the display.

Incoming calls on various lines that are intended to be routed to thesubscriber's mobile phone terminate at the GS-E. The GS-E identifies thedestination mobile phone to which the incoming call should be routedbased on various criteria such as time-of-day, day-of-week, permanentsettings, or other user/administrator settings for determining callrouting.

If the GS-C has the ability to originate outgoing calls then the GS-Eorders the GS-C to originate a call to the subscriber's mobile phonewith the calling name and number information of the calling partyprefixed with supplementary information to indicate which line wascalled, and/or with a distinctive ring indicator. Once the outgoing legis established, the GS-C connects the outgoing leg to the incoming callleg in the control of the GS-E.

If the GS-C does not have the ability to originate calls then the GS-Eoriginates the outgoing call to the subscriber's mobile phone with thecalling name and number information of the calling party prefixed withsupplementary information to indicate which line was called, and/or witha distinctive ring indicator. Once the outgoing leg is established, theGS-E connects the outgoing leg to the incoming call leg.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method for speeding call originations andterminations to a variety of devices using intelligent predictivetechniques for call routing in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. The method begins at step 1, where the userdials the destination digits. The mobile device then originates the callover a mobile voice connection to the Cellular Radio Network. At step 2,the Radio Network sends the destination digits to the Cellular SwitchingNetwork. The Switching Network then sends the destination digits to theGS-C at step 3. At step 4, the GS-C identifies the user and informs theappropriate GS-E for the user. The GS-E then processes the originationand destination information to decide when to originate a call to thedestination, and the process proceeds to step 5.

At step 5, the voice path is established between the mobile device tothe Radio Network, and at step 6, the voice path is established betweenthe Radio Network and the Switching Network. The GS-E then orders theGateway at step 7 to originate a call to the destination. At step 8, theGateway originates a call to the destination digits via the PSTN or aVoIP network. The PSTN or VoIP network then routes the second call tothe destination at step 9. The voice path is then established betweenthe Gateway and the PSTN or VoIP network at step 10, and the voice pathis established between the PSTN or VoIP network and the destination atstep 11.

At step 12, the Switching Network routes the call to the Gateway. Atstep 13, the Gateway informs the GS-E of the incoming call, and the GS-Erecords the event. The process then proceeds to step 14, where the voicepath is established between the Switching Network and the Gateway. TheGateway then joins the original incoming call with the second outgoingcall at step 15.

In operation the process shown in FIG. 20 speeds call originations andterminations to a variety of devices, using intelligent predictivetechniques for call routing based on the historical data of the lengthof time required to establish a call to a destination. Thus, the amountof time that a user appears to wait until being joined with a calledparty can be decreased.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method for enabling secure VPN-less datasessions for connecting mobile data devices with an enterprise datanetwork in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The method begins at step 1, where a user operating on acellular network invokes a request to establish a data connectionbetween the mobile device and the Cellular Radio Network. The methodthen proceeds to step 2, where the Radio Network sends the request tothe SGSN. At step 3, the SGSN forwards the request to the appropriateGGSN which is the GS-C. The GS-C supports the GGSN interface to the SGSNwithin the cellular network. The method then proceeds to step 4.

At step 4, the GS-C forwards the request to the appropriate GS-E for theuser, and the data bearer is established between the mobile device andthe Radio Network at step 5. The method then proceeds to step 6 wherethe data bearer is established between the Radio Network and the SGSN.

At step 7, the data bearer is established between the SGSN and the GS-C.The method then proceeds to step 8 where the data bearer is establishedbetween the GS-C and the GS-E which supports the selectable security andencryption. At step 9, the GS-E supports the GGSN interface to the datanetwork within the enterprise, and data destined for the Internet passesthrough the enterprise firewall at step 10.

In operation, the method of FIG. 21 enables a secure VPN-less datasession for connecting mobile data devices with an enterprise datanetwork, such as by using the GPRS tunneling or otherenterprise-preferred security protocols or in other suitable manners.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of a system and method for enabling calloriginations using a mobile data connection and hotline capabilities inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Themethod begins at step 1 where a subscriber profile is downloaded to theMSC with the hotline feature active prior to the user originating acall. The method then proceeds to step 2 where the user originates acall by dialing destination digits. The mobile device sends thedestination digits over a mobile data connection to the Cellular RadioNetwork. The method then proceeds to step 3.

At step 3, the Radio Network sends the destination digits to theCellular Switching Network, and the method proceeds to step 4 where theSwitching Network sends the destination digits to a Data Gateway. Atstep 5, the Data Gateway sends the destination digits to the ApplicationServer. The Application Server stores the origination and destinationdigits.

At step 6, the mobile device originates a call over a mobile voiceconnection to the Radio Network, and the method proceeds to step 7 wherethe Radio Network connects the call to the Switching Network. At step 8,the voice path is established between the mobile device to the RadioNetwork. The method proceeds to step 9 where the voice path isestablished between the Radio Network and the Switching Network. TheSwitching Network then routes the call to the Gateway based on thehotline feature at step 10.

At step 11, the Gateway informs the Application Server of the incomingcall. The Application Server uses the origination digits to identify thecall. The Application Server then orders the Gateway to accept the calland to originate a second call to the destination digits at step 12, andthe method proceeds to step 13.

At step 13, the voice path is established between the Switching Networkand the Gateway. The Gateway then originates a call to the destinationdigits via the PSTN or a VoIP network at step 14, and the methodproceeds to step 15 where the PSTN or VoIP network routes the secondcall to the destination. At step 16, the voice path is establishedbetween the Gateway and the PSTN or VoIP network. The voice path is thenestablished between the PSTN or VoIP network and the destination at step17, and the Gateway joins the original incoming call with the secondoutgoing call at step 18.

In operation, the method of FIG. 22 enables call originations using amobile data connection with hotline capabilities such that the routingof the call is controlled by an external network.

Technical Advantages

1. Provisioning: The gateway server may also support a provisioningengine for provisioning the functions of the server itself, as well asprovisioning external nodes including the enterprise PBX and the publiccarrier cellular network nodes. It may be possible that the gatewayserver provisioning engine (GSPE) front-end the entire PBX and be usedto provision all data in the PBX. Alternatively the GSPE may be used toprovision all functions in the PBX related to a cellular subscriberincluding their landline information, or it may be used to provisiononly the cellular portion of PBX subscriber information. In the cellularnetwork, the GSPE may be used to provision the HLR/HSS of the carrier tomodify existing service profiles for employees that are currentlysubscribers of the operator's network and are being transferred to thenew service plan for enabling this service. The GSPE may also be usedfor provisioning new subscribers to the service that were previously notsubscribers of that operator. The GSPE may also be used for provisioningother nodes in the cellular network such as a Foreign Agent, Home Agent,soft-switch, MSC, SGSN or GGSN. These functions would typically beprovisioned with routing information used for enabling the service.

2. Method for speeding up call originations/terminations by usingpredictive techniques for routing half call, using intelligence todecide when to route calls to different devices based on presence,routes, TOD, distance. Calls routed to/from a subscriber of this servicetypically occurs in two stages, e.g. from the cellular network to theenterprise, and from the enterprise to the destination. Since thegateway server is notified in the first stage of the originator and thedesired destination, it is possible for the GS to begin routing thesecond leg prior to the first leg's bearer being established. Usingintelligence of the destination route combined with knowledge from pastexperience in the time it may take to route to a certain destinationusing a particular method or link, the GS may predict the moment atwhich it should begin routing the second leg of the call in anticipationof receiving the indication that the bearer for the first leg beingestablished such that the two legs can be connected together with nodelays. This technique can be used to minimize the chances that thesecond leg will be established and answered by the destination partybefore the first leg is setup. Conversely, this technique may minimizethe wait of the originating party for the second leg to be establishedsince the first leg need not be completely established to the enterprisebefore routing of the second leg is started. The GS may continuouslyupdate its information with intelligence about the routing times forspecific destinations, and use this information in deciding the timingof setting up the call legs in order to minimize the end-to-end callestablishment time.

3. Enterprise Call presence for mobile phones: Because the GS is locatedin the call path, the GS maintains knowledge of when a subscriber isactive and available for calls, and also when a subscriber is currentlyin an active call. The GS can share this information with applicationsthat may be used to, for example, indicate to other users that thesubscriber is currently busy in a call. When the subscriber terminatesthe call, this information can be used to inform another user that thesubscriber is available to receive a call. This presence information canalso be provided to other presence servers that may be outside theenterprise site including with the carrier.

4. Enterprise HLRIHSS: The invention enables the distribution of HLR/HSSsubscriber information among multiple sites within the enterprise. Forexample, the HLR/HSS information may be distributed according to thevarious PBXs in the enterprise network such that cellular information isstored at the site where the subscriber has a PBX subscription. Thelocation of this information within the enterprise can be hidden from anoutside entity such as the public carrier network such that an outsideentity need not have to know where it is stored in order to access it.Any point of entry to the enterprise network may be able to locate theinformation of a particular subscriber.

5. Data—VPN-less session setup for enterprise. The invention enables aGGSN or HA to be including in the GS in the enterprise such that asecure data session can be established automatically between a device onthe cellular network and the enterprise network by establishing a GTPtunnel between the carrier-hosted SGSN and the enterprise-hosted GGSN.In addition, in the case where there is a GS-C located in the carriernetwork that interfaces with GS-Es in the enterprise network, it ispossible for the invention to add additional security and encryptionspecific to the enterprise's needs between the carrier's network and theenterprise. In this configuration, the function of the GGSN can be splitbetween the GS-C and the GS-E such that the carrier network interfaceswith the GS-C hosted within the carrier site, while the GTP tunnel andsecure encrypted data session can be drawn out to the GS-E hosted withinthe enterprise. All data traffic to/from the mobile device will traversethe enterprise and its associated secure firewall. Billing for thewireless carrier can be supported within the carrier's network viacharging records being generated from the GS-C. Enterprise chargingrecords can equally be generated within the enterprise from the GS-E inorder to enable the enterprise to keep track of usage and be able tocompare with service bills from the carrier received at the end of abilling cycle.

6. Alternative methods for handling call originations: Using SMS andHotline for call originations: Alternative solutions can be used inplace of Intelligent Network triggers such as WIN or CAMEL forcommunicating with an SCP function in the enterprise. One technique isto use a method such as Short Message Service (SMS) to send theorigination information from a mobile to an application server in theenterprise, and then to enable a “hotline” feature in the subscriberprofile that forces the mobile to route to a specified destination nomatter what is dialed. The hotline feature is often used to route tocustomer service when a new phone is being setup. In this case thehotline feature would route all calls to a destination that wouldultimately route into the enterprise network, either using VoIP or PSTN.By sending the origination information including the originatingsubscriber number and the destination digits to the application serverin advance of the hotline call, this information can be used to identifythe incoming hotline call, and re-route it to the desired destination.In order to be able to use SMS in this manner, it may be required tohave a special client on the device that captures the digits and sendsthem in an SMS to a specific server. Alternatively this functionalitycould be built into the device natively thus not requiring a softwareclient. Note in this case that the destination SMSC may also be the GSinstead of the carrier's SMSC since it is important that thisinformation be delivered in real time, and not delayed throughstore-and-forward in the carrier's SMSC. Otherwise the routing of thecall could be delayed.

An alternative routing method does not require the hotline feature to beactivated. Instead, when the SMS message is received at the applicationserver, the application server can originate calls to the destinationand to the originator's device. The originator would answer the phoneand be connected with the second leg. If a client is on the device, theclient may automatically answer the incoming call from the applicationserver without ringing so as to appear as if the call was established bythe originator's device when the SMS was sent. Other methods other thanSMS for delivering the origination message may be used such asover-the-air messages and/or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data(USSD). Another alternative provides that originating calls are routedbased on the subscriber profile to specific routes or trunk groupswithin the MSC. The destination routes to the GS which captures theoriginal calling and called party information. The GS can analyze theroutes and re-route the call accordingly, for example into theenterprise using VoIP.

This solution also enables the GS to manipulate call legs to be able toperform handovers (or handoffs) between, for example, a wi-fi networkand a cellular network by enabling the GS to establish a new call legfor a call in progress and join or switch the failing call leg to thenew leg. Similarly this kind of call leg manipulation can be used tomaintain or reconnect a call that has been lost—for example if asubscriber enters a tunnel where there is no cellular coverage andtherefore the call leg is lost, the GS can decide to maintain the othercall leg up and potentially treat the leg by playing a message to informthe party that the call is being reconnected. The GS can then proceed tore-establish the call leg by establishing an outbound call to the deviceonce they exit the tunnel, or having the device originate a call back tothe GS if the device has a software client—and then the GS can reconnectthe legs together, or the user manually originates a call back to theGS.

7. The combining of cellular nodal functions in a single functionalentity: GMSC, GGSN, SCP, IMS SIP Application Server, Call Server. Theinvention combines the functionality of multiple cellular network nodesinto a single entity that is scaled down to support in the order ofthousands of subscribers compared with individual cellular nodessupporting millions of subscribers. The invention supports a GMSC forenabling call originations to an enterprise number to be redirected to acellular phone number and routed using least cost routing techniqueswhereby the GS discovers the location of the terminating subscriber andcan route the call to that serving MSC over alternate routes such as apublic or private VoIP network. This reduces or eliminates transportcosts to the public carrier since the call is routed over lower costroutes using VoIP, or completely outside the carrier's network. Theinterconnection to the carrier's network can be using VoIP which avoidsany PSTN interconnect charges. The SCP function enables originating andterminating calls to be routed according to instructions from theenterprise in the GS which interacts with the enterprise PBX system.Similarly this is achieved with the IMS SIP Application server functionin the case of an IMS network architecture. The Call Server enables thecarrier to route calls to and from their network using a distributedsoft-switch and media gateway architecture that enables the bearer to betransmitted over VoIP instead of traditional trunks. Thus the carriercan route calls into and out of the enterprise over VoIP therebyavoiding PSTN interconnection and associated charges. The GGSN functiononboard the GS enables the enterprise to route data sessions in asimilar manner to how the invention describes the routing of voicecalls. By including a GGSN function within the enterprise and connectedwith the cellular carrier's SGSN, a secure tunnel can be establishedbetween the carrier and the enterprise networks. Similarly this can beachieved with a Home Agent function located within the enterprise andconnected with the carrier's Foreign Agent for CDMA networks. As such,the invention:

-   -   i. Eliminates the need for VPN software to be launched on the        mobile device    -   ii. Subjects the mobile device to enterprise data policy        including security and firewalls no matter where the device is        located, and without the need for user interaction—all data        sessions are routed through the enterprise's corporate network        and firewalls    -   iii. Enables software applications to be embedded in wireless        devices that can be launched remotely to, for example, destroy        data on the device should the unit be lost or stolen—e.g. Poison        Pills

8. Least cost routing for mobile originations to bypass long distance incontrol of enterprise: The invention describes how to bypass longdistance for cellular subscribers for both international and nationallong distance, by routing the calls from the serving MSC into theclosest point of entry into the enterprise network. This connection canbe using traditional trunks which incur costs but is reduced since thecall may be routed from the serving MSC to a local point of attachmentto the enterprise network, or the connection can be using VoIP from thecarrier network to the enterprise, which avoids any PSTN interconnectcharges and also enables the call to be considered a local call even ifthe closest point of attachment is not local—the cost is according toVoIP tariffing which may include free nationwide as well as to Canada,western Europe and parts of Latin America.

The invention also describes the concept of Tail-End-Hop-Off (TEHO).TEHO enables an employee dialing long distance to route the call as faras possible via least cost routing, and route the last leg from theleast expensive point. For example, if an employee in the US dials alocal telephone number in London, UK, the GS could detect this anddecide to route the call from the US to the corporation's office inLondon, and from there initiate a local call to the destination. Theinvention would then enable all the legs of the call to be connectedtogether. The end-to-end call would be routed from the originator in thecellular network into the enterprise network via a local connection,across the corporation's least cost routing (possibly VOIP) network tothe London office, and connected with the local call from the Londonoffice to the final destination. The invention also stipulates that TEHOcould be disallowed based on various criteria, such as destination (e.g.if such a solution were not allowed for connecting to certaincountries), Time of Day/Day of Week or other criteria such as subscriberprofile or policies.

9. PBX feature transparency: The invention describes how to enable PBXservices from a desk phone be executed on a standard cellular phone withno special clients. The GS is configurable specific to the enterprise.Therefore the feature codes used on a deskphone in a particularenterprise can be programmed to be the same or similar on the cellularphone. The GS enables the use of “7” or “9” to be dialed in order to getan outside line, just like on a PBX. On the cellular phone, the employeewould dial 9 followed by the destination digits, followed by the TALKbutton. If the employee dials destination digits without a “7” or “9”,the GS would consider them as internal PBX digits, such as a local 4 or5-digit extension, or a 7-digit internal network destination. It ispossible for the GS to suppress the use of “7” or “9” when using acellular phone. The GS would analyze if the digits are internal orexternal and route accordingly. For example if the user dialed only 4digits, the GS would treat as an internal extension. If the user dialed10 digits, the GS would analyze the digits and if not associated with aninternal extension, would consider it an external call and add the “7”or “9” prior to routing to the PBX. By enabling the suppression of the“7” or “9” for an outside line, the invention enables the employee touse the phone numbers stored in their device as they are—withoutmodification.

An employee can select a person's name and which number they wish toconnect with (office, home, cellular) in their directory in the phoneand dial, and the GS will determine automatically if it is an externalor internal number, and route accordingly.

Advanced PBX features such as Call Forward, Call Park, Call Pickup,Conference, Transfer, Do Not Disturb, Exclusive Hold, Consultative Hold,Last Number Redial, Link, Page, etc. that are available on the deskphoneby pressing a “Feature” button followed by a code (e.g. Feature 74 toinvoke Call Park, or Feature 85 to invoke Do Not Disturb), can beexecuted in a similar manner on the cellular phone by pressing analternative button to “Feature” such as “*” or “#” followed by the samefeature code. This is completely configurable and can be changed to suitthe desire of the end user. If the user cannot recall what codes to use,the invention describes that the user can press a code such as “**”,“##” or “4HELP” (44357) which would connect the user with an InteractiveVoice Response System (IVR). The IVR would prompt the user withinformation such as “Press *74 for Call Park, Press *85 for Do NotDisturb”. The user could enter the digits at anytime and the featurewould be invoked. If the user remembers the code, they can avoid usingthe IVR on subsequent feature invocations.

The invention describes the invocation of features at the beginning of acall, and during a call. Mid-call triggers can be used by the system toinform the GS. For example if a user wishes to bridge in a third party,they could press TALK followed by the destination digits followed byTALK. A cellular system supporting mid-call triggers would send thisinformation to the GS which would originate a call to the third partyfrom the PBX, bridge the third part at the PBX, and enable the singlevoice path back to the cellular switch. The GS would respond to themidcall trigger with a message indicating to continue the call asnormal. The result is that the original two parties would be connectedwith the third party through the PBX, and not through the cellularMSC—only a single voice path connection from the cellular MSC isrequired back to the PBX. Using the same concept, it is possible to linkin multiple parties into a large conference call using the PBX andconference bridges in the enterprise, and only a single voice pathconnection to the cellular user.

If the cellular system does not support mid-call triggers, DTMF tonescan be collected on the voice path using a code receiver placed in thevoice path typically onboard a media gateway or subscribing to a mediagateway for tone detection service. If a code receiver is used, it couldbe located in the enterprise, or at the carrier. As such, the user wouldnot press the TALK button. Instead they would invoke features while in acall by pressing a designated code such as “*”, “#”, or alternatively“**” or “##” to invoke the IVR system to assist the user in invoking theservices.

10. Monitoring and controlling of calls (voice and data) from enterprisemobiles. The invention previously described how all voice calls and datasessions from the cellular network are routed through the enterprise,enabling the enterprise to control, manage, subject to policy and evenrecord the bearer information. The implications of this invention areconsistent with what are considered “best practices” among corporationsthat must comply with regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley for controlprocedures, similar to how corporations manage and control e-mailtraffic or PBX voice communications that can be tracked and recorded.

While the invention enables an enterprise to gain control of voice anddata calls, the design of invention also continues to enable federallegal requirements for monitoring calls on public cellular networks incompliance with regulations such as CALEA. Because the invention routesall calls through the serving MSC before they are routed to theenterprise, the serving MSC can still invoke wiretapping in accordancewith federal law.

Similarly the invention design fully supports emergency call handling inthat a subscriber that dials 911 will have the call immediately routedin accordance with emergency call handing procedures via the serving MSCwhich will override any triggers to route the call to the enterprise. Asthe invention uses standard cellular handsets, there E-911 locationfeatures operate as designed. Thus the architecture of the inventionfully complies with emergency call handling regulations.

11. Identity manipulation for outgoing and incoming calls: The inventionenables either the enterprise PBX landline phone number or the cellularphone number to be used as the single number. If the landline is used asprimary and if the cellular number is called, the call can be allowed,or the call can be diverted to a voice recording that states thelandline number to call. The call can then be routed, or it can hang upand require the originator to re-dial the new digits. Similarly this canbe done with the cellular number as primary. If the landline is primaryand the user originates a call from their cellular phone, the GS canmanipulate the outgoing callerid information to be the landline numberinstead of the cellular number. If the terminator decides to call backthe originator, they can select the callerid which will be the landlinenumber. Similarly this can be done with the cellular number as theprimary.

SMS message originations from the mobile user are triggered to the GSwhich converts the originator's cellular phone number to the landlinenumber. The SMS can then be redirected back to the MSC for sending tothe SMSC, or the GS can instruct the MSC to cancel the message, afterwhich the GS originates a new SMS directly to the SMSC containing thelandline origination number and the original destination. Similarly whenan SMS is sent to a subscriber using their landline number, the MSC willtrigger to the GS based on the terminating number. The GS will convertthe destination number from the landline to the cellular number andreturn it to the MSC for routing to the subscriber or SMSC. In this caseit may be required that the HLR be provisioned with a subscriber profilefor the landline number to trigger to the GS. In the case where the GSalso contains an SMSC on the SS7 network, the originating MSC wouldroute the SMS to the GS-SMSC which would in turn convert the landlinenumber to the cellular number and originate a new SMS to the cellularnetwork for termination.

12. Enhanced services

-   -   a. Notification of policy enforcements: The invention describes        new control procedures for mobile devices based on policies from        the enterprise. For example, the enterprise can restrict        incoming and/or outgoing calls when an employee is outside work        hours, is outside the building, has badged out of the facility        and/or has logged out of their enterprise data network from        their computer. Should the employee attempt to originate a call,        the system can provide a dynamic treatment that might play a        message to inform the employee of the policy that is preventing        the call from proceeding. Similarly, it is possible for an        incoming call to apply a dynamic treatment that might inform the        calling party that the called party is no longer in the office,        has badged out for the evening and/or has logged out of their        enterprise data network from their computer. The call could then        be routed to standard voicemail or other appropriate treatments.    -   b. Using an Application Programming Interface (API) and/or        Software Development Kit (SDK) on the GS, applications can be        written to control voice calls and data sessions. For example, a        time clock, badging system, or signaling from a computer        login/logout can be used to activate/deactivate a mobile phone.        Similarly this technique can be used to change the recording of        calls to be from a corporate account to a personal account for        charging purposes. For example when an employee logs off their        computer, the cellular phone account is switched to a personal        account and phone calls may be deducted from the employee's        paycheck. In another example, the API/SDK can be used to assign        a particular cellular phone to a particular user at a particular        time. For example, an employee may be assigned a set of        equipment at the start of a shift which might include a cellular        phone. To activate the assigned cellular phone to the employee,        the API/SDK can be used to associate the phone with the        employee. The phone may contain the same cellular phone number,        but the enterprise landline number would be assigned to route to        that particular cellular number for a duration of time until the        employee returns the device at the end of the shift.

13. Billing

-   -   a. Enabling carrier to store a enterprise-specific billing ID in        CDR: The invention describes the assigning of a billing        identifier generated by either the GS or the cellular system        that is shared between the GS and cellular network, and can be        included in the Charging Data Records. The billing identifier        can be used to correlate multiple generated CDRs associated with        a common event.    -   b. Use of Prepaid triggers to mark the start and end of calls:        The invention describes the use of cellular Prepaid triggers to        mark the start and end of calls, even if the call is routed        entirely by the cellular network. For example if user A calls        user B and the GS determines that both users are on the same        cellular carrier, and do not need to be monitored, then the GS        may instruct the MSC to proceed with routing the call from A        to B. The start and end of the call can still be recorded by the        GS based on prepaid triggers.

14. IMS-Legacy Interaction

-   -   a. Policy: The invention enables the enterprise GS to apply        policy rules to the carrier PDF in order to enable target        service objectives for the subscriber for the portion of the        service that is handled by the carrier network. Conversely the        invention enables the carrier PDF to provide the GS with policy        rules for the portion of the service that is handled by the        enterprise network. If the enterprise is not capable of meeting        the minimum policy requirements for the session, the carrier        network may take alternative actions—e.g. route the call        themselves, reject call, redirect to another service or gateway.    -   b. IM-SSF: The invention enables the IM-SSF function to be        expanded beyond CAMEL prepaid triggering to support legacy        network interaction for establishing legacy services such as SMS        and voice calls. For voice services, the IM-SSF can be used by a        SIP-AS to signal to an MSC or HLR by converting SIP messages        into, for example, ISUP, AIN, GSM MAP or CAMEL, and/or ANSI-41        or WIN. This could be used to execute a handoff procedure        between an IP network such as VoIP with a cellular network (or        vv), or to enable IMS applications to invoke legacy services        such as a voice call to a device that does not have an IMS        client and does not support VoIP.    -   c. CSCF: In the case that a solution supports Wi-Fi for voice        calls, the GS acts as a local P-CSCF in the enterprise that        interconnects with the carrier I-CSCF and S-CSCF. The GS can        also perform the functions of an I-CSCF as a peer to the carrier        network for routing sessions within the enterprise, and an        S-CSCF to service the device within the enterprise network. For        the routing of emergency calls, the GS can manage whether the        call is sent to the landline network, in which case it would        provide landline emergency location information, or to the        cellular network in which case cellular emergency call handling        would be performed including location tracking. Additionally, if        the device is in the enterprise and operating on the Wi-Fi        network, the GS could alternatively perform cellular emergency        call handling and act as a proxy for the device in order to be        able to interact with the cellular network emergency call        handling functionality. In this case the GS would support the        location information transactions with the cellular network by        providing location information of the enterprise to the cellular        network. This could be statically stored information in the GS        describing the general location of the enterprise, or specific        areas within the enterprise—or could be dynamically obtained by        the GS using various location techniques, for example based on        Wi-Fi location such as AP connection, and converted to        cellular-recognized location information. In this manner the        cellular network would require no changes, while the device        could be operating on an alternative network and still receive        emergency service.

15. Configurations: The solution enables various configurations to bedeployed.

-   -   a. Pure enterprise call control in which the GS is located at        the enterprise site. The GS interfaces with the cellular network        nodes supporting SS7 and SIP or other messaging with the carrier        network. The carrier network must be able to address the GS in        order to send and receive messages.    -   b. Split call control between carrier and enterprise in which        the GS located at the enterprise interacts with a GS at the        carrier. The connection between the GS-E and the GS-C can be SIP        or other protocols. This configuration typically enables the        carrier network to have a central point of control for        interacting with multiple enterprises, and may not require the        use of SS7 messaging to the enterprise—instead it is possible to        have a secure IP connection supporting SIP. This is also useful        for offering a Centrex solution for interconnecting with a        carrier-hosted PBX, or for interconnecting a carrier-hosted GS        with enterprise-hosted PBX systems. The GS-C supports an SS7        point code multiplexer in which only one or two point codes are        needed to address all enterprises, since the GS-C can identify        for which enterprise the message is intended. The GS-E is able        to provision the GS-C automatically over the IP interface to        manage subscribers, e.g. to add new pilot DNs for new        subscribers. In this case the triggers used by the originating        and terminating triggers used in the cellular network for        routing the calls to the GS-C can add identifying information of        the specific enterprise in the triggering messages (e.g. ORREQ).        Alternatively the GS-C can identify the enterprise based on the        calling party information.

16. Availability: PBX systems are by nature designed to beenterprise-grade, which implies they may go out of service morefrequently than carrier systems which must comply with strict minimumdowntime requirements. The architecture of the invention increases theeffective availability of a PBX system for routing calls since the GS(GS-E or GS-C) can instruct the cellular network to route the call (withsame or modified dialing instructions) in the event that the PBX hasgone out of service. The GS can store the call information and report itto the PBX when it is back online. In the event that the GS should goout of service, the architecture of the invention enables the cellularnetwork to be configured such that if its communication with the GStimes out, the cellular network can take alternate action, for exampleto route the call on its own, send to treatment (e.g. play a message),redirect to an alternative GS, or other call handling.

17. MVNO infrastructure: The invention is effectively a wireless corenetwork that could alternatively be packaged and sold to MVNOs to enablethem to operate their own core networks and host their own advancedservices, while connecting to public cellular carrier networks for radioaccess.

18. Call Leg Manipulation and handling—In addition to using originatingand terminating triggers to transfer call control from the carriernetwork to the enterprise via the GS, the solution also enables advancedservices to be executed mid-call using mid-call triggers or in-line codereceivers. When a user wishes to invoke a mid-call service such toinvoke a multi-party call using an external conference bridge thatresides in the enterprise network, the user can press digits on thedevice to invoke the service, and then press the TALK or SEND button toinvoke a flash. The flash message is sent to the GS using mid-calltriggers with the information of what was dialed. The GS can thenrespond to proceed with the call as normal, so that the voiceconversation can continue, and then the GS can invoke the service, inthis case to bridge in other users to the call, from the enterpriseside. Thus for a multi-party call, only one voice leg is required fromthe user to the enterprise. Alternatively to the use of mid-calltriggers, the solution can use an code receiver in the line thatcaptures DTMF tones throughout the call. In this case the user couldpress a series of digits followed by, for example, # (instead of TALK orSEND). The code receiver or media gateway can then send a message to theGS to perform the service. In this case there is no interruption in thevoice session. In this case the media gateway can block the transmissionof the tones to other parties on the call such that the other partieswill not hear them as they are being pressed. This section is inaddition to what is described in section “Alternative methods forhandling call originations”.

19. Corporate Calling Name: Calling name display is based on the carriernetwork database. This information does not contain calling nameinformation for internal enterprise numbers. The invention enables theredirection of the GR-1188 or IS41 based query in the terminating switchto point to the GS. The GS will access the calling name information fromthe corporate directory. The GS can also obtain calling name informationfrom a carrier database or other source, and decide which information(or both) to provide to the terminator depending on various factors suchas completeness, originator's preferences, etc.

20. IMS Handover/Handoff: The invention enables handoff to occur betweena voice conversation on a Wi-Fi network and a cellular network.Signaling between the Wi-Fi network and the cellular network istransited through the GS which converts the messaging between SIP callleg manipulation and ANSI-41 or GSM cellular signaling protocols forinvoking a handoff. The solution can support the equivalent of aninter-MSC handoff as is done today in the cellular network, oralternatively a Call Redirection pseudo handoff in which athrough-connected call is redirected. The latter uses messages such asSIP JOIN to connect the calls. In the case where the cellular networksupports IMS, the GS acts as a SIP AS to perform the applicationfunction, and can also act as a peer IMS network including P-CSCF,I-CSCF and S-CSCF. In this case, the GS acting in these functionsenables the PBX or IP-PBX that is controlling the user in Wi-Fi mode tobe abstracted from having to support IMS to the cellular network, as thePBXIIP-PBX interfaces with the GS which interfaces with the IMS network.

Data—VPN-less session setup for enterprise. The invention enables a GGSNor HA to be including in the GS in the enterprise such that a securedata session can be established automatically between a device on thecellular network and the enterprise network by establishing a GTP tunnelbetween the carrier-hosted SGSN and the enterprise-hosted GGSN. Inaddition, in the case where there is a GS-C located in the carriernetwork that interfaces with GS-Es in the enterprise network, it ispossible for the invention to add additional security and encryptionspecific to the enterprise's needs between the carrier's network and theenterprise. In this configuration, the function of the GGSN can be splitbetween the GS-C and the GS-E such that the carrier network interfaceswith the GS-C hosted within the carrier site, while the GTP tunnel andsecure encrypted data session can be drawn out to the GS-E hosted withinthe enterprise. All data traffic to/from the mobile device will traversethe enterprise and its associated secure firewall.

1. A method for handling call originations, comprising: activating ahotline feature in a subscriber profile associated with a mobile devicewherein calls originated from the mobile device are automatically routedto a specified destination irrespective of destination digits receivedfrom the mobile device; sending call origination information includingorigination digits and destination digits from the mobile device to anapplication server deployed in an enterprise network using one of aShort Message Service or an Unstructured Supplementary Service Dataservice; routing a first voice call from the mobile device to a gatewayserver, based on the hotline feature, the gateway server deployed in oneof a carrier network or the enterprise network, that is communicativelycoupled with the application server; capturing mid-call information atthe mobile device, wherein the mobile device is configured to send themid-call information to the application server via one of the ShortMessage Service or the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data servicewhile the call remains in progress; receiving the call originationinformation, by the application server from the mobile device, inadvance of a hotline call based on the activated hotline feature; anddirecting the gateway server to originate a second voice call, by theapplication server, based on the received call origination information,to a destination device to join with the first voice call.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: originating, by the gateway server, asecond voice call to a destination device having the destination digitsbased on the origination information previously received from the mobiledevice; and joining, by the gateway sever, the second voice call withthe first voice call.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein routing thefirst voice call from the mobile device to the gateway server comprisesrouting using Voice over Internet Protocol.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein routing the first voice call from the mobile device to thegateway server comprises routing using a Public Switched TelephoneNetwork.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising capturing theorigination information at the mobile device using a mobile deviceclient configured to send the origination information to the applicationserver.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising capturing theorigination information at the mobile device, wherein the mobile deviceis configured to send the origination information to the applicationserver via one of the Short Message Service or the UnstructuredSupplementary Service Data service in advance of routing the first voicecall.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: ordering, by theapplication server, the gateway server to accept the first voice call;and ordering, by the application server, the gateway server to originatea second voice call to a destination device having the destinationdigits that is to be joined with the first voice call.
 8. A system forhandling call originations, comprising: a carrier network including amobile switching center that obtains a subscriber profile associatedwith a mobile device, wherein the subscriber profile has a hotlinefeature enabled; a gateway server deployed in one of the carrier networkor an enterprise network; and an application server deployed in theenterprise network, communicatively coupled with the gateway server,that receives call origination information including origination digitsof the mobile device and destination digits of a destination device fromthe mobile device via one of a Short Message Service or an UnstructuredSupplementary Service Data service; wherein calls originated from themobile device are automatically routed to a specified destinationirrespective of the destination digits received from the mobile device;wherein a first voice path is established for a first call between themobile device and the gateway server based on the enabled hotlinefeature; and wherein the application server: receives the callorigination information from the mobile device in advance of a hotlinecall based on the enabled hotline feature; and directs the gatewayserver to originate a second call, based on the received callorigination information, to a destination device to join with the firstcall and wherein the mobile device captures mid-call information, themobile device configured to send the mid-call information to theapplication server via one of the Short Message Service or theUnstructured Supplementary Service Data service while the call remainsin progress.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first call is routedfrom the mobile device to the gateway server using Voice over InternetProtocol.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the first call is routedfrom the mobile device to the gateway server using a Public SwitchedTelephone Network.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the mobile devicecaptures the origination information using a mobile device clientconfigured to send the origination information to the applicationserver.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the mobile device isconfigured to send the origination information to the application servervia one of the Short Message Service or the Unstructured SupplementaryService Data service in advance of setting up the first call.
 13. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein a second voice path is established betweenthe gateway server and the destination device, and wherein the gatewayserver connects the first voice path with the second voice path.